Simon Kuper unravels exactly how these transformations took place. He outlines the organizational structure behind the club’s business decisions, and details the work of its coaches, medics, data analysts and nutritionists who have revolutionized the sporting world. And, of course, he studies the towering influence of the club’s two greatest legends, Johan Cruyff and Lionel Messi.

Like many leading global businesses, FC Barcelona closely guards its secrets, granting few outsiders a view behind the scenes. But, after decades of writing about the sport and the club, Kuper was given unprecedented access to the inner sanctum and to the people who strive daily to keep Barcelona at the top.

Erudite, personal, and capturing all the latest successes and upheavals, his portrait of this incredible institution goes beyond football to understand Barça as a unique social, cultural, and political phenomenon.